What if a career change could unlock your creativity and transform your life? That's what happened to Content Creator and Podcaster Kelsey Graves.  She is the creator and host of the Trip Tales podcast. 

Kelsey inspires listeners with her journey from marketing to content creation. During our conversation, Kelsey showcases the power of embracing change while nurturing creativity. She shares her experiences of manifesting dreams, family travel adventures, and navigating the gig economy.  Kelsey encourages others to take baby steps towards their passions. 

In this episode, you will learn: 

• How Kelsey pivoted her career from advertising to social media 
• The importance of transferable skills 
• How to find your passion and make a career work for your lifestyle
• The significance of manifestation resulting in a memorable trip to a Taylor Swift concert
• How you can use social media to engage authentically with your audience
• The importance of taking baby steps to move your career forward
• Social media tips to promote your online brand

Kelsey's Bio:

Kelsey Graves is the host of the Trip Tales Podcast, where she shares real travel stories and inspires her engaged community of travel lovers. A mom of three and a seasoned travel content creator, Kelsey has spent 12 years turning her passion for exploration into a thriving career. With a dedicated following on Instagram at @kelsey_graves, she shares vacation destinations, family travel tips, and viral travel Reels that drive real bookings and vacation plans. Kelsey's work has lead her to partner with top brands like JW Marriott, Dollywood, and Dagne Dover, making her a trusted voice in the travel industry.

Kelsey Graves website:
https://www.triptalespodcast.com/

You can listen to our Amsterdam Taylor Swift trip interview here.  Kelsey interviews me and Wendy Conklin of Chair Whimsy about our adventure.  

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In this solo episode, I share some personal insight about how we can start 2025 and embrace new beginnings.   

Takeaways

• Embrace new beginnings 
• Let go of the past to make room for new starts
• Find opportunities to make a new start in your day 
• Recognize and celebrate moments of joy
• Give yourself permission to begin again
• Think tiny.  Take a small step forward 

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year. 

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As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible conversations we've had this year. In this short solo episode, I’m revisiting some of the most impactful interviews that touched on leadership, resilience, health, and personal growth. These episodes have sparked new insights, challenged old paradigms, and shared inspiring stories that I hope have resonated with you and contributed to your own journey of self-discovery and transformation.

When I set out to bring these conversations to life, my goal was simple: to provide listeners with tools, inspiration, and perspectives that help embrace change and design the life they want.  It’s been an incredible year of growth—both for me and, I hope, for you, too. 

As we wrap up 2024, I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of this journey.  I wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season.

Thank you for listening, and I look forward to what 2025 will bring.

With gratitude, 
Judy

Episodes mentioned include:
Leadership Playbook
Linda Fogg Phillips - Pearl Habits
Glen Lubbert - Sleep for Success
Dr. Nydia Tijerina Darby - Therapeutic Yoga Works
Celebrating 93 years
Dutch Dreams with Connie Dassen
AI's Impact on your career - Tim Hayden
Trip Tales Podcast featuring Wendy Conklin and Judy Oskam

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If you’re enjoying Stories of Change and Creativity, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover the show. Here’s to a year full of change and creativity.

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is reshaping our world and what it means for your future career?  I'm certainly following this topic along with my university colleagues.   

Join me for an enlightening conversation with TIM HAYDEN, CEO of Brain+Trust Partners and Texas State University alumnus, as we dissect the rapid evolution of AI. Discover how intuitive models like Perplexity are transforming the way we access information and why hands-on experimentation with AI tools is crucial to understanding their full potential. We also explore how students and faculty can harness AI to enhance their academic endeavors while maintaining the integrity of their educational experiences.

In this episode, Tim draws a fascinating parallel between the historical impact of the shipping container on global trade and the revolution AI promises to bring to various sectors. We discuss the importance of adopting a growth mindset and empathy to successfully navigate technological advancements.

And, as I do with all my guests, I asked Tim about his strengths and natural talents.  I hope you enjoy our conversation.   



Resources:

Contact Tim Hayden on LinkedIn

The Box:  How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger by Marc Levinson

The Signals are Talking: Why Today's Fringe is Tomorrow's Mainstream by Amy Webb

Quantitative Futurist Amy Webb

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If you’re enjoying Stories of Change and Creativity, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover the show. Here’s to a year full of change and creativity.

I’m excited to share my interview with Conny Dassen.  I met Conny in The Netherlands….she and my husband went to high school together and have been friends for decades. I interviewed Conny from the charming setting of her historic farmhouse in eastern Holland, near the German border. 

Career

Join us as we explore the heartwarming and adventurous life of Conny Dassen, whose career journey has taken her from busy Amsterdam to the tranquil countryside of rural eastern Holland.   Conny’s diverse professional background includes positions in the hotel industry, a travel company, a car rental agency, an employment firm and in television entertainment.  Her late father was award-winning filmmaker and director Jan Dassen.  Throughout her varied career, Conny’s unwavering passion for human interaction guided her to find roles that connected her with others.  Now retired, Connie shares her reflections on balancing her love for people with her need for solitude and nature.

Love

Can a rekindled high school romance lead to happily-ever-after nearly five decades later?  In this episode, you'll hear Conny and JanTon's compelling love story, their travel adventures, and their dream to immigrate to Australia. They were recently married on their farm. 

Key Takeaways

• Connect with people, be open to new people and experiences
• Create a home that let's you live like you're on holiday 
• Talk with the elderly to learn history
• Talk with young people, they are the future
• Love might be right in front of you

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Are you training for the next decade?  Can therapeutic yoga revolutionize the way we approach back pain and functional mobility?

Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Nydia Tijerina Darby, a physical therapist and therapeutic yoga specialist.  Dr. Darby is always training for the next decade.   Discover how Nydia’s passion for movement helped her combat anxiety and depression, setting her on a path to a rewarding career that blends physical therapy and yoga.

Nydia Tijerina Darby is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Therapeutic Yoga Specialist and Certified Yoga Therapist. She is an experienced yoga educator, writer, published author, and international presenter on Therapeutic Yoga Lifestyle practices.     

Dr. Darby developed the Therapeutic Astanga Method© over 40 years and is the Owner & Creative Director of the Open Hand Institute and Nydia’s Yoga Therapy Studio in San Antonio, Texas. Nydia offers continuing education to clinicians in various fields introducing integrative methods of practicing into their lives and clinical work. She also provides community access to therapeutic yoga through her studio.

During our conversation we break down common misconceptions about yoga, challenging the idea that you need to be extremely flexible or fit a certain mold to benefit from its practice. Nydia shares the reasons why she wrote her book "Therapeutic Yoga Works:A Gentle Approach to Eliminating Back Pain and Improving Functional Mobility for Life." Her book is dedicated to making yoga accessible to everyone, emphasizing inclusivity and body positivity. We talk about the gentle yet effective methods she teaches to alleviate back pain and improve functional mobility, all backed by scientific research.

Dr. Nydia collaborates with faculty at The University of Texas Health in San Antonio  on scientific research.  Her research, with Dr. Amelie Ramirez, focuses on therapeutic yoga for cancer survivors. Their research found that yoga can be as effective as traditional exercise in improving health outcomes for cancer survivors.  Their study revealed significant improvements in respiratory capacity, mental health, and reduced inflammation. We also talk about the importance of self-care for clinicians and the integration of therapeutic yoga into physical therapy practices.  In 'preparing for the next decade,' Dr. Darby promotes preventative care to achieve holistic health and balance.

You can find Dr. Darby's book here:  "THERAPEUTIC YOGA WORKS: A Gentle Approach to Eliminating Back Pain and Improving Functional Mobility for Life."

Therapeutic Yoga Lifestyle Immersions, Therapeutic Yoga Trainings & Medical Continuing Education.  The Open Hand Institute. 

You can watch some of Dr. Nydia's videos on her YouTube channels:
https://www.youtube.com/@openhandinstitute

https://www.youtube.com/@NydiasYogaTherapy

https://nydiasyogatherapy.com/

Online scheduling for on-site and livestream classes and video on demand

https://app.ubindi.com/Nydia.Darby

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If you’re enjoying Stories of Change and Creativity, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover the show. Here’s to a year full of change and creativity.

Have you ever wanted or needed to change your life and wondered how to do it? Well, this interview may be for you. 

On this episode, I'm excited to share my conversation with Elisabeth Sharp McKetta. Author of 13 books, Liz teaches writing for Harvard and Oxford and is the founder of the Book Year Writer's Circle.

McKetta's latest book is entitled Edit your Life: A Handbook for Living with Intention in a Messy World.   Elisabeth knows about what she writes. During our interview, she shares the story of her own major life edit.

You can find out more information about Liz, on her website.  

Key Takeaways:

1. Intentional Living: Elisabeth emphasizes the importance of living with intentionality. Much like editing in writing clarifies and refines, intentional living helps us clarify our priorities and align our actions accordingly.
2. The Power of Editing: Drawing from her background as a writer and teacher, Elisabeth discusses how editing principles can be applied to life. 
3. Elisabeth's Journey: Elisabeth shares her personal journey of undergoing a significant life edit. This experience forms the core of her insights into navigating change and making intentional choices.
4. Her book, Edit Your Life: A Handbook for Living with Intention in a Messy World.  The framework is examine, edit and enjoy.  

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This is a Happy Birthday episode.  Join me for an unforgettable conversation with my incredible mother, Joan Barnes, as she celebrates her 93rd birthday.

Hear about the early years of her marriage to my dad, their adventures during his Navy service, and their 1st year together in Bermuda. Joan's stories offer a unique perspective on the wisdom, love, and resilience that have been the backbone of our family for generations.

In this heartwarming episode, Mom and I dive deep into the fabric of our family, exploring the joys and challenges that come with seeing grandchildren grow and great-grandchildren arrive.   

My Mom shares her secret to a long and happy marriage—embracing individuality and finding someone who makes you a better person. We reflect on our unique family and the importance of being kind. This episode is a testament to cherishing life's blessings and staying positive amidst life's ups and downs.  We both agree that life can be really messy - but it's important to keep moving forward. 

Key Takeaways

• Celebrate each person's unique qualities
• Find a partner who makes you a better person
• Kindness is key
• Be good examples for your children
• Build a solid family foundation 

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If you’re enjoying Stories of Change and Creativity, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover the show. Here’s to a year full of change and creativity.

Have you ever felt the ground beneath you shift so profoundly, it alters the course of your life? 

Peiming Sun, known as Sunny, certainly has.

From her days as a molecular biologist to her transformative journey to become a holistic lifestyle mentor, Sunny's story is one of  self-discovery and resilience.

Sunny applies ancient wisdom and modern science to help her mid-aged women clients change the story narratives and raise awareness about mind-body connection at the genetic level so that they can live with more energy, creativity and joy. Her Tiny Habits course is called Happiness Habits for People In Transition.  

Today's episode takes you on a remarkable journey, where Sunny opens up about navigating the challenges of raising a special needs child and going through a difficult marriage. 

Navigating Life's Changes:

• Sunny shares her journey from East to West, from a science-focused career to embracing spirituality and self-employment.
• She emphasizes the importance of experiencing change.

Transition to Holistic Coaching:

• Facing burnout while balancing work and family responsibilities, Sunny found ways to prioritize her well-being.
• She discusses her transition to coaching, integrating the Tiny Habits Method during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eastern and Western Tools:

• Judy and Sunny discuss the integration of Eastern practices, such as meditation and mindfulness, with Western lifestyle to reduce stress and increase happiness.
• We discuss why ancient practices may be undervalued in Western society.

Tiny Habits Coaching:

• Sunny explains the ABCs of Tiny Habits: Anchor, Behavior, and Celebration, emphasizing the power of celebrating small achievements to rewire the brain and boost motivation.

Finding Alignment and Flow:

• Sunny shares her framework "SLOW" (Self-awareness, Lifestyle, Openness, Wisdom) to help individuals align with their energy flow.  SLOW emphasizes the significance of acceptance and finding one's unique path.

Heart-Brain Coherence Technique:

• During our interview, Sunny shares a simple practice for calming the mind called Heart-Brain Coherence.  The technique involves heart focus, heart breathing, and heart feeling, as a way to reduce anxiety and connect with one's energy.

You can contact Sunny at https://www.keysforprosperityclub.com

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'As a functional medicine doctor, I have an opportunity of 20 to 30 years, before someone develops symptoms, to help them change, because a lot of the preventive strategies that we use for prevention of Dementia are lifestyle related.'
                                                                                                                                                      
Dr. Shabnam Das Kar transformed her medical career so she could help her patients avoid Dementia.   Before transitioning to functional medicine, Dr. Kar was practicing as an obstetrician gynecologist for more than 20 years in Mumbai. She lives in Calgary, Canada, and Mumbai, India.

  On this episode, Dr. Kar shares her extraordinary shift from traditional obstetrics and gynecology to a more holistic practice with a focus on brain health. She takes an  integrative approach to healthy aging, emphasizing the deep connections between our body's systems.  You'll learn about the  importance of the brain and how to develop tiny habit recipes to improve your overall health.   

 As a medical doctor, a brain health coach and a certified Tiny Habits coach, Dr. Kar helps people improve their focus, get rid of brain fog and prevent dementia down the line. Together we talk about the Fogg Behavior Model, developed by BJ Fogg, founder of the Stanford University Behavior Design Lab.  Healthy habits can lead to profound improvements in brain health and, subsequently, your overall sense of well-being.   Shabnam and I were trained in behavior design by Dr. BJ Fogg and Linda Fogg-Phillips.

Dr. Kar is determined to help her patients avoid dementia by creating healthy habits.  She shares some examples in our conversation.  She's also on the cutting edge of research into hypertension.   

This episode isn't just about the brain; it's an invitation to learn lifestyle enhancements that start tiny and have big results.  Reach out to us for more information about how to create habits for healthy aging and celebrate your success. 

You can connect with Dr. Kar  at drkarmd.com

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If you’re enjoying Stories of Change and Creativity, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more people discover the show. Here’s to a year full of change and creativity.